Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has confirmed the resurgence in COVID-19 cases, emphasizing the outbreak on the University of Ghana campus.
During a Parliamentary briefing on July 1, 2025, the Minister reported that 107 cases have been confirmed out of 316 suspected samples, with the Omicron variant being the main contributor to this increase.
“As of now, 316 suspected cases, 107 of those cases have been confirmed as COVID-19. Fortunately, no hospitalisations and no deaths,” the legislator said.
Mr. Akandoh emphasized that this outbreak is largely confined to the University of Ghana community, with minimal impact on other areas of Accra or the rest of the country.
He attributed the surge in cases to recent Hall Week celebrations at Legon, which drew large crowds and saw limited compliance with safety measures.
“Mr. Speaker, after sending in a team to investigate, we found a few key issues that fuelled the spread. The most significant factor was the recent Hall Week celebrations held at the University. These events brought large crowds together, with little use of face masks or distancing,” he noted.
In response to the situation, the Ministry of Health has sent a national response team to collaborate closely with university and local health authorities.
The Minister mentioned that discussions are underway with the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, as well as leaders from the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research and the School of Public Health.
To mitigate the spread, all future Hall Week events on campus have been cancelled. Nationwide alerts have also been issued to health facilities to enhance their vigilance.
Furthermore, a public awareness campaign is being implemented on campus, utilizing posters, student leadership channels, and university radio stations to encourage adherence to health protocols.
The Minister urged everyone to exercise caution and follow preventive measures, including practicing good hand hygiene, wearing face masks in crowded spaces, and staying up to date with vaccinations, especially for those eligible for booster shots.
“Avoid gathering if you are sick,” he advised.